This week, The Musafir Stories speaks with Anuj Haribhakti, a long time listener and avid traveller as we speak about the only place in the world where Asiatic lions live, Gir National Park!
Today's destination: Gir National Park, Gujarat
Nearest Airport: Rajkot Airport (RAJ)
Nearest Railway Station: Junagadh Railway Station (JND)
Prerequisites -  Book for permits to safaris 2-3 months in advance and lodging.
Packing - According to the weather, sunscreen, hats, bug repellent
Time of the year - September - Feb
Length of the itinerary: 4-5 days
Itinerary Highlights:


Anuj talks about the USP of the Gir national park, home to the world’s only Asiatic lion population.


We discuss how excessive hunting by the Royal families and British officers  and human movement had made this a critically endangered species in the early 1900s. We also discuss how the State government and other stakeholders have been able to turn the situation around in the early 2000s.


Anuj discusses the importance of booking the safaris and lodging in advance (2-3 months before the trip) as well as the best times for sighting.


Finally Anuj shares his experience sighting over 20 lions in his 4 days at the Gir National park. This ranges from fully grown males, to a young couple and mother and cubs. He also discusses the nearby Devaliya sanctuary where lions and leopards are kept in closed environment.


We also touch upon places in the vicinity that one could include as a part of an extended itinerary - including Sasan Gir, Swaminath temple, Diu and Junagadh.


Link to Anuj’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anujph/
Photo by Lenstravelier on Unsplash
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